Football icon Steven Gerrard has faced the ultimate selection headache, naming the best former teammates he would pick for two separate five-a-side teams from his storied career with Liverpool and England.
An Anfield Legend's Dilemma
Widely considered one of the finest midfielders of his generation, Gerrard spent 17 years at his boyhood club, Liverpool, scoring 186 goals in 710 appearances. He captained the side to eight major trophies, including the unforgettable 2005 UEFA Champions League victory in Istanbul.
For England, he earned 114 caps, scoring 21 goals, and led the national team as captain at two World Cups and a European Championship. When asked by former international colleague Rio Ferdinand to construct a single five-a-side team from all his former teammates, Gerrard found the task impossible, opting instead to create two distinct line-ups.
Gerrard's Liverpool Dream Team
Beginning with his Liverpool selection, Gerrard bypassed a goalkeeper and started with a defensive rock. "The best defender I played with for Liverpool would be Carragher or Hyypia," he stated. "All-round, if they were both in their prime, I’d say big Sammy Hyypia." He highlighted the Finn's incredible value, signed for just £2 million in 1999, who went on to make 464 appearances for the Reds.
In midfield, his choice was clear. "Definitely Xabi Alonso," Gerrard said, praising the Spaniard's composure and passing range. For a more defensive-minded partner, he selected the "very underrated" Didi Hamann over Javier Mascherano, due to the longer period they played together.
Up front, the decision was straightforward for the former captain. "Suarez, yes, and I’ve had to go with Torres," he confirmed, referencing the formidable strike partnership he enjoyed with Fernando Torres, who scored 81 goals in 142 games, and the "animal" that was Luis Suarez during his phenomenal Anfield spell.
The Ultimate England Five-A-Side
Selecting an England side presented a different challenge, particularly in defence. Gerrard diplomatically avoided choosing between Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, stating their styles complemented each other and they were difficult to split in terms of quality.
Instead, he opted for Ashley Cole, declaring him "the best left-back in the world" during their time playing together. Cole earned a record 107 caps for an England full-back.
In midfield, Gerrard named two legendary rivals: Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard. He reserved special praise for Scholes, suggesting the Manchester United maestro would dominate the modern game. "I think now, hands down, he would be the best midfielder in the Premier League," Gerrard claimed. "He would have everyone terrorised in the Premier League now."
For his forwards, Gerrard turned to two record-breakers: Alan Shearer, the Premier League's all-time top scorer who netted 30 times for England, and Wayne Rooney, the country's former record goalscorer and outfield appearance holder.
A Legacy of Great Teammates
Gerrard's selections underscore the incredible calibre of players he shared a pitch with during a career spanning nearly two decades at the highest level. His inability to whittle it down to just five names speaks volumes about the talent pools at both Liverpool and England during his era.
The exercise has ignited fresh debate among fans about the merits of his picks and which of the two formidable five-a-side teams would come out on top. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the individual brilliance that defined English football in the 2000s and early 2010s.
